Don’t Give Up! Thursday, January 13, 2010

Reading: Psalm 37:23-24, If the LORD delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

I was wearing a harness around my waist and a hard hat on my head, The harness was attached to a rope that ran up through a pulley and then down into the hands of my guide (a 17-year-old girl named Melanie) who secured my harness as I climbed a 50-foot wall.

I was doing great until I hit the halfway point. Then I started getting tired. My hands were sore and my legs trembled, but my ego was too large to admit defeat. I kept going, but my pride wasn’t enough. My hands slipped, and I plummeted. But I didn’t fall far. My guide had a firm hold on the rope. Because she was strong and alert, I fell only a few feet. I continued climbing until I conquered the wall. When I got to the top, I gave credit where credit was due. I looked down and thanked the one who kept me from falling.

I wish all my tumbles in life were so simple, so quick, and so harmless. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve expected to hit the bottom, only to find myself suspended in mid air, secured by a pair of nail-pierced hands. “Don’t give up” he urges, and so I continue.

Now I’m a little wiser, more cautious, but I’m confident. I trust the rope and rely on his harness. And even when I can’t see my guide, I know he is there, he is strong, and he can keep me from falling.

Can you remember a time you felt restricted by God’s holy standards in the Bible? Have you ever thought of them as a safety harness? Following God’s plan is the only way to ensure that He is your strong guide, holding the rope as you climb through this life.

What are some things that you are becoming weary of today and need to let go and trust the Holder of the rope of your life?

REVIEW

Were you able to let go and trust the Holder of the rope of your life today?

How were you able to do so and how did this impact your day?